Egg Prices in Maharashtra Hit Record High Amid Winter Demand and Shrinking Supply
Maharashtra faces egg shortage as winter boosts demand and supply drops, pushing retail prices to historic highs.
Pune | November 22, 2025: Egg prices across Maharashtra have surged sharply, triggering concern among consumers and poultry experts alike. The current rate has crossed ₹7 per egg at wholesale in key regions, while some retail counters are charging nearly ₹8, reflecting a steep supply–demand mismatch. This rise comes as winter sets in, driving up consumption, while production is being strained by disease outbreaks and weakened supplies from major egg-producing states.
Officials estimate that the state is facing a shortfall of 1.5 crore eggs per day, at a time when winter demand is nearing 3 crore eggs daily. The gap is largely attributed to disrupted supplies from important sourcing regions, especially Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, where disease outbreaks previously forced poultry owners to delay restocking of infected birds. This production slowdown has had ripple effects, with fewer eggs making their way into Maharashtra’s markets.
Veterinary and poultry experts point out that the onset of colder weather traditionally leads to higher consumption. Eggs are a preferred source of affordable protein in many households, and with winter, demand from both home kitchens and food-service sectors surges. At the same time, supply disruption is being exacerbated by transportation challenges and a dependence on inter-state egg inflows — which are under strain given the reduced output in supplying regions.
From a production standpoint, the crisis also brings an unexpected silver lining for some poultry farmers. With wholesale rates touching a new high, producers are getting better returns. For instance, favorable rainfall in Marathwada has reportedly helped reduce the cost of corn — a key feed ingredient — improving margins for some layer-bird owners. Still, this is only a partial offset against the larger problem of insufficient volume reaching the market.
Consumer behavior is changing too. Nutritionists and poultry scientists say that eggs are increasingly being chosen not only for their protein value but also because they are less susceptible to adulteration than other food items. They are also becoming a staple ingredient in second-day food trends like biryani, samosas, and bakery items, which helps drive up steady year-round demand.
But not everyone is happy. For average consumers, the spiking prices are a burden, especially in middle-class households that rely on eggs as a staple breakfast or snack. The steep increase is hitting household budgets hard, particularly at a time when food inflation in other essential items is also on the rise.
On the policy front, animal husbandry officials are exploring solutions. There is a growing call to stabilize production via disease-mitigation strategies, while also considering longer-term measures like subsidized poultry restocking. Some experts recommend strengthening cold-chain logistics for eggs to reduce spoilage and wastage, which could make more of the existing supply viable for retail.
Retailers, meanwhile, are trying to strike a balance between supplying enough to maintain customer footfall and dealing with the cost pressure themselves. Many smaller shops are urging customers to avoid panic buying, suggesting that the current spike is largely seasonal and could moderate if supply normalizes over the next few weeks.
In the short term, consumers are being advised to check for local availability, buy responsibly, and consider alternate protein sources if the prices remain high. Industry watchers believe that while the current squeeze is painful, it may prompt important structural reforms — including better disease control, local production expansion, and more efficient distribution — that could prevent similar crises in the future.
Follow us On Our Social media Handles :
Instagram
Youtube
Facebook
Twitter
Also Read- Pune
